I love to tell the story of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (NWISBDC). Why? Because of the risks they take and the time and 
energy they put in to developing the small business culture in this region. Also, they're never afraid to let the learning they have done in the process shape the original idea. They are a driving force for the local economy, and I am passionate about any chance to support them. Additionally, I am extremely proud on behalf of myself and everyone else here at Ideas in Motion to receive the Small Business Journalist of the Year Award at the e-Day Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards Luncheon.
What led to your journalistic interest in small business?
I grew up immersed in the markets and was fascinated with the story of entreprenuers and how businesses are conceived and built.
From your perspective, what is the most interesting aspect of business?
Change is constant. It takes so much creativity and hard work to create a business and so much discipline and willingness to adapt to build it and evolve in order to survive and thrive.
How has media coverage of small business changed over the years?
It has embraced and enhanced small business and enabled business owners to share knowledge and experience that otherwise would not be available to them.
What are the challenges that face small businesses in the next 18 months?
Confidence is a challenge for every business leader, whether that be the consumers' confidence, the confidence of their employees, or their own confidence in where their business is going. They need to envision the future even when the media or the market does not always see it. Creativity is a challenge as well. Creativity in how you communicate with your customer and who that customer is. The market is changing quickly and you need to be able to be decisive.
See the other winners from the e-Day Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards Luncheon here on their website!